music

Kiz and Ivan Ooze come together for huge new track ‘KINGS’

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published August 24, 2026 at 11.40am (AWST)

Lutruwita/Trouwerner rapper Kiz is set to release his new single "KINGS" with Australian hip-hop artist Ivan Ooze on August 27.

Produced by longtime collaborator gla$s, the track was written during a creative camp on the east coast of Lutruwita (Trouwerner), with the record created entirely on Kiz's ancestral Country.

The surrounding landscape helped shape the track, which explores leadership, power and the qualities that define strength.

'KINGS' challenges ideas of leadership based on status or wealth, instead focusing on integrity, responsibility and service while questioning greed and dishonesty in positions of influence.

The track also draws directly on Kiz's culture and identity, with the second verse incorporating the word "Bungunna", meaning "leader/chief" in his cultural language from Tebrakunna Country.

The collaboration with Ivan Ooze marks a significant moment for Kiz, who grew up listening to his music before later sharing stages and recording together.

Kiz reflected on the significance of the collaboration.

"Having Ivan Ooze on the record is something I never imagined would happen," he said.

"I was a 14-year-old kid skating around Tasmania with his music in my headphones, and now we're sharing a song & stages together."

The release comes during a period of growth for Kiz across music, education and community work.

He was recently appointed to the ARIA Hip-Hop Advisory Group and remains involved with initiatives including YARN WRITE, APRA AMCOS SongMakers, workshops with Australian Theatre for Young People and his work through Seventhree.

Through Seventhree, Kiz has also supported Tasmania's grassroots hip-hop community through initiatives including You're Write Workshops.

Kiz described 'KINGS' as reflecting the direction of his career.

'KINGS' captures the energy I've always wanted my music to have... tt's the kind of track you throw on before a workout, before a show, or anytime you need a reminder to back yourself," Kiz said.

"It's one of the biggest milestones of my career so far and a reminder that the vision I've been chasing for years is becoming a reality. It feels like proof that all the years of hard work, consistency and backing myself are starting to pay off."

Kiz is currently touring Tasmania with Ivan Ooze and is also set to showcase at BIGSOUND 2026 in September, with a national tour announcement to follow.

'KINGS' featuring Ivan Ooze is set for release on August 27.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.